For the week of January 8, 2004 Louisiana gathering The Louisiana Baptist Agricultural Missions Fellowship has scheduled its annual meeting for Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. The annual gathering is set to conclude with a luncheon, catered at a cost of about $10 per person. Scheduled guest speaker is Jim Wagoner, agricultural missionary to Oaxaco, Mexico, who will report on projects accomplished with $7,000 in funding from the state fellowship. Fellowship members also plan to discuss future funding for the Oaxaco missionary effort and talk about the feasibility of a small number of members to travel to Oaxaco in 2004. Fellowship members also will be informed on various volunteer ministries projects underway in the state. Persons are asked to indicate plans to attend the meeting. They may do so by communicating with Tracey Ostrander at the Louisiana Baptist Building via e-mail at tracey.ostrander@lbc.org, by mail at Tracey Ostrander, Men and Volunteer Ministries, Louisiana Baptist Convention, P.O. Box 311, Alexandria, LA 71309 or by phone at (800) 622-6549. Homosexuality poll A new CNN/USA TODAY/Gallup poll shows that opposition to same-sex "marriage" continues to grow. The latest poll of … [Read more...]
Who will replace the leaders who have gone before?
The end of each year tends to spark reflection on what could have been, what may be and the uncertainties of both. The end of each year tends to spark reflection on what could have been, what may be and the uncertainties of both. One of the exercises of newspaper staffs is to recount who passed from the scene during the year just ended. Every year we are struck by the long list of personalities from entertainers to scientists with significant to monumental accomplishments who died the previous year. This review of people who are no longer on this earth causes many to ask, "Who will take their places?" Indeed, some of the stellar personalities who, as Shakespeare wrote, "shuffled off this mortal coil" this past year altered life as we know it. History has somehow been shaped by their passing through it. Who will take their places? On a smaller stage, people who did not necessarily shape national or world history but who had a significant impact on hundreds, or thousands, or tens of thousands have passed through the gates of death during the last year. While life certainly goes on, the death of these folks takes away a powerful influence on many. Who will take their places? This is a significant time for people … [Read more...]
At this church, the focus is on care, support – and bikers
On Friday nights and Sunday mornings, a line of motorcycles stands outside Church in the Wind. Inside, about 40 bikers gather for worship. On Friday nights and Sunday mornings, a line of motorcycles stands outside Church in the Wind. Inside, about 40 bikers gather for worship. "Its difficult being a Christian," says C.C. Gower, pastor and former biker-gang member. "Aint no wimps called to be Christians. When I was an outlaw, I wouldn't go anywhere without my club for backup. Now, I have the best backup in Jesus." The church in White Oak, Texas, penetrates a biker culture that often is based on intimidation, fear and harsh punishment. The East Texas congregation has served as many as 300 people at a time through its evangelistic outreach, which takes members to motorcycle runs and rallies. Members do not curse the biker lifestyle but have retained some elements of it. Many sport worn bandanas, leather vests and elaborate tattoos. They talk about motorcycle mechanics as freely as Bible verses. Gower does not lament the empty seats in the makeshift sanctuary - he sees that as a positive sign. "I have to praise God our people arent here," he says. "Theyre out … [Read more...]
So many hoped for it for so long – now, it is a reality
A 20-year-old dream became a reality seven months ago at Hope Mission in Many. For 20 years, Louisiana Baptist Church and Community Ministries Director John Hebert and others have attempted to start a church out of a care and hope ministry, previously known as storefront ministries. A 20-year-old dream became a reality seven months ago at Hope Mission in Many. For 20 years, Louisiana Baptist Church and Community Ministries Director John Hebert and others have attempted to start a church out of a care and hope ministry, previously known as storefront ministries. However, the vision never panned out until Hope Missions birth on June 8. With that launch, Marshall Ingle accomplished accomplished what other Louisiana Baptists before him could not do - plant a church out of a care and hope ministry. Ingle is director of the House of Hope care and hope ministry in Many. During his first six years there, more than 60 people who receive help from the ministry in the form of clothing and food accepted Christ as their personal savior. However, those new Christians felt they could not find a Baptist church home, Ingle relates. Still, a survey conducted … [Read more...]
Great preachers have a close, personal walk with God
Truly great preachers have a close personal walk with the Lord; some might even be called mystics. Some had this walk from childhood; some turned to the Lord in a sudden and dramatic conversion. Others were changed later in life by a "deeper experience." Note: The following article is the 10th in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects, He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and is a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board. Austin B. Tucker, Freelance writer Truly great preachers have a close personal walk with the Lord; some might even be called mystics. Some had this walk from childhood; some turned to the Lord in a sudden and dramatic conversion. Others were changed later in life by a "deeper experience." Augustine (A.D. 354-430) was one who turned to the Lord in a dramatic conversion. Before that, he led a wild life that included a long-term affair with a mistress who bore him a son. But he came under deep conviction. In his … [Read more...]
Trojan horse policy
Protestations by the Louisiana College board of trustees that the new textbook selection policy contains nothing to fear is reminiscent of Dr. Jerry Rankins promise that missionaries would not be required to sign the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. Protestations by the Louisiana College board of trustees that the new textbook selection policy contains nothing to fear is reminiscent of Dr. Jerry Rankins promise that missionaries would not be required to sign the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. Im sure we all remember the firings, forced resignations and forced early retirements of missionaries who refused to sign that creed. Superficially, the textbook selection policy seems innocuous, but "appropriate in context and purpose" statement is a real Trojan horse. Textbooks supporting viewpoints "recognized by others in the discipline as appropriate for the subject matter" - but which disagree with the trustees narrow interpretation of the Bible - will simply be excluded using the "appropriate in context and purpose" provision. Precedent at other Southern Baptist institutions controlled by ultraconservatives strongly suggests that the trustees personal opinions will prevail - and opposition will fall on … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of January 8, 2004 Potpourri HAYNESVILLE - First church: Men's Wild Game Supper; Jan. 10, 6 p.m.; Gene Hoyt and David Fortenberry, guest speakers; free; call (318) 624-0214 for reservations; Shelby Cowling, pastor. JACKSON - Judson center: Valentine's Couple's Retreat; Feb. 13-14; $100 per couple; limited to 19 couples; Donald and Margaret Davis, retreat leaders; to register, call (888) 490-8263; Debbie and Eugene Morris, camp managers. BOYCE - St. Clair church: Brian Free and Assurance in concert; Jan. 9, 7 p.m.; Joey Rudisill, pastor. ALEXANDRIA - Louisiana Convention Center: Louisiana Agricultural Missions Fellowship Annual Meeting; Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m. registration; $10 catered luncheon; Jim Wagoner, guest speaker; to register, call Tracey Ostrander at (318) 448-3402; or email tracey.ostrander.@lbc.org. PINEVILLE - Kingsville church: Hot Hearts Student Conference; Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m. registration; Jan. 31, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.; 7th grade and up; Neil McClendon, guest speaker; Stephen Smith Band, musical guest; $18 per person, after Jan. 9, cost is $25; to register, call Brian South at (318) 640-1019; Jim Spencer, … [Read more...]
Committee calls for SBC to leave Baptist World Alliance
A study committee has recommended that the Southern Baptist Convention withdraw from the Baptist World Alliance, primarily due to theological concerns. A study committee has recommended that the Southern Baptist Convention withdraw from the Baptist World Alliance, primarily due to theological concerns. Meanwhile, a Baptist World Alliance leader has said such a move would represent "a sin against love" and a "triumph of ideology over doctrine." Even so, the decision about Southern Baptists future in the alliance now rests with convention leaders and messengers. The SBC Executive Committee will consider the matter in February. If approved there, it will go to the annual convention in June, where messengers will determine the final action to be taken. It is likely the decision to leave the Baptist World Alliance will be approved at both points. In proposing the move, the ongoing convention study committee cited theological concerns as the core reason. The proposal accuses the alliance of questioning biblical inerrancy, promoting women as pastors and downplaying the doctrine of salvation only through Jesus Christ. "Continuing to allow presentations that call … [Read more...]
Research shows – having a biblical worldview does make a difference
A recent survey by the Barna Research Group indicates a biblical worldview really does make a difference. Unfortunately, the research also shows that few American adults have one. A recent survey by the Barna Research Group indicates a biblical worldview really does make a difference. Unfortunately, the research also shows that few American adults have one. A survey of 2,003 American adults found that just 4 percent have a biblical worldview. Also, only 9 percent of those categorized as born-again Christians have a biblical worldview, researcher George Barna said. "Worldview" is a term used to describe the belief system by which a person understands or makes decisions about the world. One of the prominent current worldviews is postmodernism - a belief system that rejects the notion of absolute truth. This often is expressed in the statement - "That may be true for you, but its not true for me." Not surprisingly, the Barna research found that adults without a biblical worldview and those with such a worldview had vastly different views of immoral and unethical behavior. For instance, those without a biblical worldview were: About 100 … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of January 15, 2004 Louisiana gathering The Louisiana Baptist Agricultural Missions Fellowship has scheduled its annual meeting for Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Baptist Building in Alexandria. The gathering is set to conclude with a luncheon, catered at a cost of about $10 per person. Scheduled speaker is Jim Wagoner, agricultural missionary to Oaxaco, Mexico, who will report on projects accomplished with $7,000 in funding from the state fellowship. Fellowship members also plan to discuss future funding for the Oaxaco missions effort and talk about the feasibility of a small number of members to travel to Oaxaco in 2004. Members also will be informed on volunteer ministries projects underway in the state. Those planning to attend are asked to contact Tracey Ostrander at (800) 622-6549 or (318) 448-3402 or via e-mail at tracey.ostrander@lbc.org. Cooperative Program Gifts through the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program totaled more than $13.5 million last month, an increase of more than $1.1 million (9.2 percent) from the previous December. Three months into the conventions fiscal year, overall gifts total $45.2 million, an increase of $2.9 million (6.9 percent) from … [Read more...]
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